Benefits of ‘observer effects’: lessons from the field

Abstract

This paper responds to the criticism that "observer effects" in ethnographic research necessarily bias and therefore invalidate research findings. Instead of aspiring to distance and detachment, some of the greatest strengths of ethnographic research lie in cultivating close ties with others and collaboratively shaping discourses and practices in the field. Informants' performances -however staged for or influenced by the observer -often reveal profound truths about social and/or cultural phenomena. To make this case, first we mobilize methodological insights from the field of science studies to illustrate the contingency and partiality of all knowledge and to challenge the notion that ethnography is less objective than other research methods. Second, we draw upon our ethnographic projects to illustrate the rich data that can be obtained from "staged performances" by informants. Finally, by detailing a few examples of questionable behavior on the part of informants, we challenge the fallacy that the presence of ethnographers will cause informants to self-censor.

Transformational Effects of Applying Systems Engineering in Laboratory Scientific Research

“…This form of data collection is very good for ensuring that the context is properly understood and it provides insight into the motives and behaviours of the subject. However, the researcher must be cautious of biases that can affect interpretation of the data and also the Hawthorne effect [9], whereby individuals modify their behaviour because they know they are being observed.…”

A methodological study to compare survey-based and observation-based evaluations of organisational and safety cultures and then compare both approaches with markers of the quality of care.

“…In any case, Monahan and Fisher 223 argue that much can be learnt when staged performances are noted. This suggests that observers should be vigilant for staged performances and other evidence of reactivity, but should not treat any such observations as 'contaminated' and therefore to be discarded.…”

“…However, the emphasis on restricting access to clinical records remains. Furthermore, the main focus of current policy 223 and initial developments is on increasing and speeding recruitment to clinical trials; improvements for audit-based research may take longer to achieve.…”

Investigating the effectiveness of communication taking place between hospital pharmacists and patients during medication counselling

“…Having pharmacist-patient conversations observed and recorded may have resulted in expected or professional desirable behaviour by pharmacists, and may not be representative of usual practice (Hawthorne effect). 363 Attempts were made to mitigate this effect and normalise medication counselling by having BC shadow pharmacists interacting with patients prior to the recorded interview. As well, patients may have assumed socially desirable behaviour knowing their interaction was being observed and recorded.…”